I finally have all my children home! Boy has it been a crazy summer. Sam got home last Thursday, but Emily was away on a mission trip in Philidelphia. She didn't get home until Saturday night, but Sam and Jacob had spent the night a Mamaw's... we got them home Sunday only to wait until Sunday evening until Erin returned home from the STrongsville Tournament. Finally.. Sunday evening, we got them all home... only for Sam and Emily to spend the night at Mamaw's on Monday (to spend time with their Uncle who was celebrating his birthday). Erin and Jacob both spent the night at someones house too. Yesterday they were all home. It felt kind of strange... but oh so good!

Emily had an amazing time in Philidelphia. She had the privlidge to lead a young girl to Christ. We praise God for the joyous news. She throughly loved every minute of the trip. They ministerd in the "hot spots" of Philidelphia... where it is very well known for gangs and drug deals. It is a rough area. They spent a great deal of time on a playground ministring to the kids. They spent time cleaning up the area, finding used needles and stuff like that. It is a great eye opener for our youth. She was approached by the pastor to consider applyling for an internship next summer. It was quite an honor and something we will definitely lay at the feet of our Lord, covering the entire thing in prayer.

Erin participated in the STrongsville tournament with her high school team. She enjoyed the tournament and loved being with her teammates. She was awarded the player of the match 3 out of 7 games. It was quite an honor for her. She also participated in the showcase/spotlight games. I might have mentioned that before, but these games are specifically set aside for juniors and seniors who are interested in playing at the collegic level. There are over 100 coaches there just to watch the girls play. You must pay a fee to play in the games. Then you are placed on a team of 11 and then play 7v7 for 30 mintutes. Each girl is given only 20 minutes to play. So...you have 20 minutes to hope to show a coach your ability. Plus... at the exact same time that you are playing, there are 4 other games going on. So, you really have no clue if a coach is there watching the game or not. Erin was a little disappointed in her first game, but her second game went very well. As of yesterday, she had been contacted by 5 coaches who had watched her play. Who knows what God has planned for her. It is an honor to have any division coach even express some interest.

Sam is adjusting back to his family life. The dynamics for him have changed again. He is once again with 2 little ones and the "normalcy" of sibling life. On Saturday, he hopped on his bike to ride around. He came in the door with his hands behind his head whincing in pain. He told me he was hurt. I looked at his leg and he had a HUGE gash in his ankle. We cleaned him up and realized that the gash was deep enough he needed stitches. So off to Urgent Care. 2 days home and he had already been injured. Some Mom I must be!! At least he saved his injury until he got home. :) The problem is that high school soccer is beginning right now. He is unable to participate in it at all until at least next week. Even then, the doctor is not very thrilled at the thought. So, he seems to be out for 2 weeks. He is riding his bike to keep in shape. He and Erin rode to their Mamaw's on Monday (it is a 20 miles ride (or more)).

Jacob is involved in a book club and has been enjoying reading different books this summer. He is also preparing for his Algebra class by trying to review the entire 8th grade math book over the summer (mainly because the 3 kids in Algebra will completely skip 8th grade math). He has not had much opportunity to earn money for his trip. I think he had his heart set on hoping to earn a scholarship. But, God had other plans for him. It has taken him awhile to get back into the swing of realizing he needs to still raise the funds. What a wonderful learning experience he is having ... this trip, though incredibaly and ridiculously expensive, has taught him a TON about real life and what it takes to earn money. I dare to say it has been an invaluable experience.

Elizabeth is talking nonstop these days. She comes up with the silliest things to say. I love listening to her. Her favorite thing to do right now is go to the swimming pool and ride her bike. God has truly brought her a long way. She and Ri have stayed in the nursery at church every service for the past 2 months! It has been amazing. They even ask to go to the nursery at times. There is not one tear shed. God has been faithful. It was a long, long 2 years for her to adjust. But I am thankful that we did not force her. I think there was quite a bit of healing that needed to take place. She still has some reservations when I leave. Once in a while, she does lose it. At least twice in the past month she has become inconsolable until I was able to hold her. But... that is nothing compared to what we used to experience.

Ri has grown incredibly in a year. His biggest goal is to do anything and everything Elizabeth does. He can't quite keep up with her, but he gives it everything he has. He absolutely loves the pool as well. He is much more daring then Elizabeth is. He goes under water completely by himself where as Elizabeth barely puts her mouth under (unless she is jumping off the edge - then she wants me completely away from her while Ri wants me to hold onto him the entire time) He is talking all the time too. He seems to have a slight problem with coming up with the right words so he tends to stutter until he figures out what word to use. He is still quite the tease and absolutely LOVES to aggrivate his little sister! He is completely ALL boy!

Well, that is enough update for now. I need to be going.

He's home!! He's home!! He's home!! I am one happy Mama!!! My boy is home. It is so good to see his face, feel his hug, and hear his voice. And this morning, it is so good to hear the precious squeals of Elizabeth and Ri as Sam chases them around the house.



Jacob and Erin worked hard to make a "celebration" for Sam when he got home. The only problem is it was 12:30 am when we finally drove into the driveway. But Jacob and Mamaw were standing outside jumping up and down and waving their arms in the air anyways! They had put a big banner on the garage door for him to see, hung this banner in our living room, made him a cake and let the little ones decorate it and hung Christmas lights. It was a sweet, sweet thing.

Notice Elizabeths arm, she just wanted to be close to him. It was so sweet. She looked at the cake and said to Sam "What do you think of it?". She was very proud of her cake for her brother. Ri had to point out everything for Sam to see. It was very precious.

MY SON IS COMING HOME!!!!!! .... well, he's coming home tomorrow.



Oh how my heart aches to see my boy. I have missed him. I am so thankful for the experience he has had. But.. I am ready to give my son a big hug and hear his voice sharing what God has done! Please pray for them as they travel home. They will arrive in Cleveland around 9:30 Thursday evening. They will be taking off while we are sleeping tonight. I can not wait to see my son!

I am very sorry about the lack of blogging, especially for you, Sam. I have been burried under Erin's 16th birthday book. She turns 16 on August 3rd. I have been woking as soon as I wake up and then well until midnight every day for the past 2 weeks trying to get it done. I have a deadline and it is fast approaching. When I get a free moment to sit at the computer, I instantly have gone to the book.

But, my precious son has been on while he is in Poland. So, baby, this blog is for you. I will post this note so you know I am on trying to blog, ok? Hang in there, more will be coming.

"We have a serious problem" - out of the mouth of babes! This is just priceless to me. Elizabeth and Ri were outside riding their bikes. Emily was with them. Elizabeth rode her bike up to Emily and said "We have a serious problem" as serious as she could be. Emily said "Oh no, what's the problem baby". She then proceeded to tell Emily that Ri did not have his helmet on. That cracked me up. Emily came in to tell us because it was so funny. Mark overheard Elizabeth tell Ri, "go get mome, we have a serious problem". Ri came in and told me that Elizabeth needed me. I went and stood at the door to see this precious face......
Sitting on her bike, as serious as could be, she said to me "Mom, we have a serious problem". I asked her what and she simply said "I crashed". Too cute!!!

Well, Jacob has finally had his cast removed! He is doing very well. When it first came off, though, his skin felt very strange, smelled horrible, and looked weird. He wanted me to take a picture of it. So, Sam, here is your brothers arm without a cast.


Yesterday, we went walking in the wood lookind for animal tracks ot plaster paris. A friend of the kids wanted to climp the treehouse, which meant that the little ones did too. I had a baby on my back, so I refused to take them up. But... there precious brother stepped in and volunteered.




We have made many trips to berry pick in the field next door. Mark is such a wonderrful Daddy. He always gets the wheelbarrow, places the 2 little ones in and pushes them there. This day, Elizabeth discovered a new way to ride.

Emily has left on Sunday morning for Philidelphia. The youth group is on a mission trip. They will be ministering to the same kids they ministered to last year. She was so excited when she called yesterday. She was "reunited" with 2 of her favorite kids from last year. Please pray that she will see the face of God as she spends the week in the city. And... for her mama... please pray that she and the others stay safe!

Below is the post that I intended to post Monday night. I hesitated, simply because I was still hoping that nothing would come of my stand. But, Monday night, my husband and son saw me on the news. I was really hoping that noone else was watching the news that night... but, yesterday, when I was talking to my son in Poland, he stated the following "So... speaking of the bible... I saw someone with a new haircut who resembled you on the news today". And, when we took the little ones to the pool, a lifeguard looked at me and said "I saw you on TV last night". And then this morning, I discoverd that the article in the Dispatch... quoting something I said, was on the Drudge report. My son, Jacob, is teasing me and calling me a pyscho religious zealot. So.. since I know that many of you have probably already heard about my stand, I thought I might share how I felt about making it. It was not easy for me, but it is something I feel very, very strongly about. So this is the post that I intended to post Monday night after the School Board meeting.

Have you ever done something only to later feel completely sick in the pit of your stomach, wondering about the consequences of your decision? Tonight, my stomach is in knots, feeling sick in the very pit. You see, tonight I stood before the School Board and spoke against them. This will have been my 5th or 6th time of approaching the School Board and speaking publicly to them. Up until now, I have been non confrontational. I have made my points heard, but managed to not come against the School Board. The first 2 times I spoke to them, it was in defense of a school club. I saw the School Board singling out FCA while I watched the club diminish in numbers and my sons become discouraged. Several events occured with the FCA group and the monitor of FCA leading up to the Principal and School Board requesting the teacher to remove anything of religious orientation from his walls and room; including his own personal Bible off of his desk. As a result of his public refusal to remove his bible, his character became a target. I stood before the board defending his character and the right to have a bible on the desk. In the last Board meeting, the board recommended the teacher be fired. Tonight, the recommendation was to suspend him without pay until he can have a hearing to determine if they will fire him. Tonight, I stood and boldly stated a few things that I had observed over the months that this has been going on. I simply read a letter that I had written and intended to submit to the editor of our news.

I have been taken way out of my comfort zone. I am generally non confrontational (except with the kids and Mark :(_ ) My letter was very confrontational. It was very hard for me to write and even harder to read. But I have had a deep burdened for this whole thing. I felt as if God was being removed completely out of our Schools. And... the decisions that the Board has made are only the beginning of it.

When all was said and done, I realized that there were news stations and newspapers there. My stomach began to turn. I began to fear what I said and how it might be twisted or portrayed. Worse, I knew the consequences of my boldness. I knew that my stand would draw a line for me. Up until now, I have had a wonderful relationship with many of the teachers at school as well as with the Superintendent and one of the School Board members has been a good friend for many years. I knew that what I had to say would cause many to look at me in a different light. Consequently, my children might face issues. I hope that will not be the case. But, unlike the family who has stood so boldly against this teacher, I have not been anonymous. And, unfortunately, some will hold it against my kids. Not to mention, I hate it when someone doesn't like me and I am hoping nothing I said will be used against this teacher. So, my face is burning, my heart is pounding, and my stomach is in knots.

The questions I ask myself is this: have I been obedient and stood for Christ? Or have I simply been passionate to defend a teacher? I hope that my passion is because I watched them attempt to choke the breath out of FCA because of one family's complaining and because I feel as if the School Board is forcing God out of the schools. I hope that the only reason I am fighting this fight is simply to stand for the word of God and truth.
Sometimes, though, it is hard to divide. I stood tonight because I fear that the decisions that the School Board seems to be making is only the beginning. I fear that they are afraid of those who are against the word God ever being mentioned in our public schools. In today's age, lawsuits are so easyily threatened. With the fear of a lawsuit, the School Board seems to have pushed God out.

And me? I just simply fear. And right now.. .my fear is running wild.

Today, we had a friend over. His name is Jacob and he is 9 years old. I was sitting at the computer and I felt Elizabeth holding onto my arm. She whispered to me that Jacob said something to her. Then she said when Jacob says something, it makes her nervous. I giggled (in my mind) and then said, what makes you nervous. She said "nervous"...then she said "is it ok to be nervous?". Funny, I have no idea where she came up with that phrase at all. It made me smile. My little girl is growing up. She says the sweetest things anymore.

I think this is one of my favorite pictures so far. Emily and I really liked it. I haven't decided if I like it all colored or black and white with colored flowers.
We are trying all kinds of things for her senior pictures. I am posting them as we do some of them.
Elizabeth often hops in on the picture taking fun.

In the square at Krakow, the boys had the opportunity to buy some pigeon feed. They had much fun feeding the pigeons. I love the joy on their faces.


In contrast, there is NO joy found here. Sam visited Auschwitz (a concentration camp). This is one of the many rooms filled with the personal items from those that were put to death.

2 days ago, Erin and Jacob decided to ride their bikes to their Mamaw's house. By car, it takes 30 minutes to get there. They had to go back roads, so the trip was a little longer in miilage then if we traveled by car. I wish I had measured it. The kicker was, it was raining the entire trip. I found them wondering in a small town. The road I had told them to take was not marked, so both they and I missed it. When I found them, I anticipated putting them in the van and taking them to Mamaw's. THey were drenched... in every way possible. But they both were smiling ear to ear. They knew they had missed the road and were heading back to get it. I figured out an easier way for them to go and went on ahead, waiting for a phone to call to come get them. Nope! They made the entire trip on bikes. We were so proud of them. It took them 2 1/2 hours.


Ri's first experience with a sparkler. The expression on his face tells it all. Elizabeth, on the other hand, doesn't care too much for them. She is hiding behind my back right now.

Now this is a priceless picture. We were picking berries and I heard Ri say I have to give mom a flower. He marched to where I was.. on a mission. He had picked this flower and insisted on handing it to me. So sweet!


We have been going through a ton of things looking for items for the kids to sell at a garage sale. Amidst the stuff, Erin found a cow outfit that Mamaw had made Emily when Emily was Elizabeth's age. It was precious to see Elizabeth walking around in it. It brought back a flood of memories.


Our double fisted "berry beast".....
Who can't get enough!!

Emily and I have been playing around with senior picture ideas. The first one, Emily likes the most. I am looking forward to trying lots of different places to take the pictures. I am getting tired of the same spots/poses. I loved the flower idea. She came up with that one.



Sometimes, I am not so sure what gets into me. LAtely, I have been very convicted about my responses to my wonderful son, Jacob. His summer has been a little harder then the other kids. He has no camps to go to, no friends he really hangs out with to invite over, a broken arm, a brother who has left him for a month, and older sisters who don't think he is as cool as the little ones. He is kind of on his own. And, lately, my responses to him have been with frustration, anger, and exasperation. I have had little patience and have taken little time out to really realize or even try to realize what he is feeling. Before we adopted Elizabeth and Ri, I was always there for Jacob. I knew him like the back of my hand. When he needed my attention, he got it. It seems like ever since we brought two little ones into our lives, Jacob's attention has been squeezed out. It breaks my heart. Right now is probably the time he needs me even more.

So.. with that said, yesterday he mentioned that he thought Dad might be wrong about how long it would take to get to Grandma's house if we walked. He then preceeded to tell me he thought it would only take 2 hours. You see, Grandma's house is 9 miles from ours. I don't know what came over me, but I looked at him and told him I thought he was right and then asked him if he wanted to try to walk there. Ok... I really hadn't thought much about having two 3 year olds at that moment. But he lit up and said yes. So, I woke Erin up, told her we were walking to Grandma's. She got up, we got the little ones ready and headed out the door. It was an incredible walk. (in MANY ways!). Jacob was off a little on his first estimation. It took us 4 hours to get there. But we had a great deal of un on the way. We all agreed it had been a good idea. The little ones rode in their strollers most of the way. There is a stretch of about 5 miles where cars go by us at 55-60 miles an hour... but there aren't that many that travel the road. I would say maybe 40-50 cars passed us. Once we got on a safer part of the walk, Ri decided he wanted to walk some. Erin, Jacob and I were playing a game with the soccer ball and having so much fun. He decided he wanted to jump in. It amazes me how wonderful he does dribbling!

Once we made it into town, we stopped at McDonalds and enjoyed a treat. What fun we had! I think we'll have to try it again another day.... once my legs recouperate!



Last night, when we got home, we grabbed a few jars and the little ones squealed as Jacob, Daddy and I caught lightening bugs for them. They went to bed with their jars glowing beside them. Once they fell asleep, I let the bugs go. Tonight, we'll catch some more. What a fun day we had!






For those of you following Sam's journey in Poland, here is his schedule for the next few days. It made me very sad. I'm not sad because he is doing this, in fact, I am thrilled that he has an opportunity to visit Auschwitz. I am sad because I will not hear from him in ANY way until they get back from this particular visit. That means it will be 4 days. That makes my heart ache. I have not had a chance to IM him for 2 days as it is. So, this morning, when I missed him again on IM, my heart began to ache deeply. I was thankful for the email he sent me. I had asked him several questions. He took the time to respond to them (he is such a good boy- thinking of his mama!). If you have been praying for him and for the Perry's, please continue to pray. This will give you a better idea of his next few days.

Thursday - 3:11 pm - Train departs for Krakow (4-hour ride). We are making the kids leave laptops & PSP's behind so they will talk, play cards, & look at the Polish countryside.

Thursday - 7:00 pm - Arrive in Krakow, where we will be staying at a hostel near downtown (not staying at the university because it was full). This will be a new experience.

Friday - 9:00 am - Train departs for Auschwitz (1:45 ride). Sherri, Ben, Irmina, Luke & Sam will go to Auschwitz while the rest of the kids & Dave tour Krakow.

Friday - 6:00 pm - Train arrives back in Krakow from Auschwitz. We will spend the evening in Krakow

Saturday - Tour Krakow during the day

Saturday evening- Train arrives back in Radom

Sunday - Church in the morning, lunch with Mikolaj's family, and dinner in the country with Tytus & some of his friends. These friends have teens who study abroad, and they want to meet our family.

Sunday - Late night - Ben, Joe & Jim will say goodbye to all of their friends here.

Monday - early morning - Drive the boys to the airport in Warsaw. Their flight leaves at 12:10 pm Warsaw time (6:10 am Ohio time)